Single Baked Apple with Cinnamon Oat Filling
When thinking of things cozy and fall and tying it together with a toaster oven series, I thought… we need something apple. It always surprises me that apples come into season as early as they do, since we’ve given them such fall vibes. But it makes them perfectly timed for this single baked apple.
This can also be made in a regular oven, although turning on a regular oven for a single apple seems slightly wasteful (see my notes below for making a bigger batch). That being said, I was thinking of all the people who’ve moved into their own tiny kitchens or maybe are tasting their first bit of adulthood in a dorm room, and just need a comforting bite of home. Since we’re likely not gonna whip up an apple pie (at least not yet), this recipe makes for the perfect bite.
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SINGLE BAKED APPLE with CINNAMON OAT FILLING
This recipe takes the pie crust and/or dish out of an apple pie or crisp. It comes together easily with very little fuss and makes the perfect sweet treat for one. Plus, if I do say so myself, it’s perfectly salted. Noteworthy, since a lot of baked goods can lack that balance that salt brings to sweets.
For this single baked apple recipe, grab your favorite crisp apple – I love a Honeycrisp. Since we’re baking this in a toaster oven, we don’t have the vertical space to core it and bake upright (it literally won’t fit), so we’re cutting it in half. Honestly, you’d likely cut it in half anyway to eat it, so we’re just doing it earlier.
The cinnamon oat filling is made up of four ingredients, mixed and packed into the cored apples. You get cinnamon deliciousness in every bite. I’ve shared a recipe below for a quick, 2-ingredient whipped cream if you want to top your baked apples before serving. Either way, they are delicious!
How to make a single-serve batch of whipped cream: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to a bowl with 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar. Whisk continuously until thickened to soft or medium peaks (baker’s choice!).
INGREDIENTS
- Apple: of the crisp variety, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, serves as the base and baking vessel
- Traditional oats: create a hearty, slightly chewy filling
- Brown sugar: adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor
- Cinnamon: brings warm, comforting spice
- Salt: enhances and balances the sweetness
- Butter: adds richness and helps bind the filling
- Boiling water: softens the apple during baking and prevents drying out
How do I know when my apple is done baking? Use a pairing or steak knife and gently press it into the side of your apple. It should slide in similarly to cutting through butter. If it still sounds/feels a little crispy, give it 8-10 more minutes.
HOW TO MAKE A SINGLE BAKED APPLE
Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F and line its baking sheet with foil.
While it heats, slice the apple in half and use a metal spoon to scoop out the core and seeds, creating a cavity about 1½ inches wide in each half. In a small bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Divide the filling between the two apple halves, packing it in firmly.
Top each half with a piece of butter and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Carefully pour boiling water into the bottom of the baking sheet, enough to cover the surface—this will create steam and keep the apples moist. Quickly close the toaster oven door.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The apples are done when a knife slides in easily, but they should still hold their shape with a bit of firmness. Spoon a little of the liquid in the pan over your apple halves and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Serve as is or topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
3 reasons you’ll love this single-serve dessert
TIPS & VARIATIONS
- Make sure to pack your filling into your apples tightly. Don’t waste any of that goodness!
- Your knife will slide through the apples as early as 15 minutes, but be careful not to pull them from the oven too soon. They’ll still be delicious if they are on the al dente side, but you’re looking for them to be a smidge softer.
- If you want to serve with homemade whipped cream, see note above for a quick 2-ingredient recipe!
STORING YOUR BAKED APPLE
You can make your cinnamon-oat filling in advance, keeping it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Once baked, if you have any leftover apple, just store it in a container in the fridge. The baked apple will keep chilled for up to 5 days. If you topped it with whipped cream, it will only last for about 2 days.
MORE APPLE RECIPES
Who needs a scented candle when you can make this easy Homemade Apple Butter? Comes together in one pot and will make your kitchen smell amazing. For more apple-cinnamon magic, make these quick Apple Cinnamon Scones, using fresh apples! Love all the fall vibes? Try these Apple “Pumpkin” Puffs. Puff pastry wrapped apples, tied with a string so they bake up like little pumpkins.
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED
Equipment
- Toaster Oven with Baking Sheet
- Foil
- Knife
- Small metal spoon
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Pot or Kettle
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 2 tbsp traditional oats
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ tbsp cold butter divided
- ¼ cup boiling water
- vanilla ice cream or whipped cream optional
Instructions
- Preheat toaster oven to 350°F. While it preheats, line your toaster oven’s baking sheet with foil
- With a knife, cut your apple in half, then use a metal spoon to scoop out the remaining core and seeds – about 1 ½” wide
- In a small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Split the mixture between your two apple halves, really packing it in. Top each half with a piece of your butter and place on your baking sheet
- Place your baking sheet in the toaster oven and carefully pour your boiling water along the bottom of the sheet. About ¼” deep, should cover the bottom. Quickly shut the door to keep the steam inside, and bake for 35-40 minutes
- Your apple is ready when you can stick a knife through it like butter. You don’t want complete mush, but a little firmness. Remove from the oven, spoon a little of the liquid in the pan over your apple halves, and let cool for 10 minutes. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream if desired
So delicious and in a single serving (or 2 😉
Only if you feel like sharing 😉